New Horse Owner Essentials
A new horse needs a core set of everyday equipment from day one: grooming kit, a hoof pick, a headcollar and lead rope, a first aid kit and basic yard equipment. This page gathers those yard essentials from Shires, Lincoln, Equi-Sential, Smart Grooming, Waldhausen, LeMieux, Hy Equestrian and Agri Health, with many basics under £5.
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What do I need before bringing a new horse home?
At a minimum: a well-fitting headcollar and lead rope, a grooming kit with a hoof pick, feed and water buckets, a haynet, a first aid kit and rugs suited to the season. Practical starting points include the Equi-Sential Nylon Clip Headcollar (from £13.50), the Equi-Sential Trigger Leadrope (from £7.30) and the V-Plast Flat Back 15L Stable & Feed Bucket (from £9.24). Ask the seller what your horse is used to wearing and eating, so you can keep things familiar at first.
What goes in a basic grooming kit?
A curry comb, a dandy brush for mud, a body brush for the coat, a mane comb, sponges and a hoof pick cover the daily essentials. The Shires Hoof Pick/Brush (from £1.12) is our best seller, and a V-Plast Original Sarvis Curry Comb (from £1.92) shifts mud and loose hair fast. Pick out feet every day and check for stones, heat or injuries as you go.
Which professionals should I line up?
Register with a local equine vet, book a farrier (they will advise on timing for trims or shoeing), and ask your vet about vaccinations, worm control and dental checks. If you are new to ownership, lessons or a knowledgeable friend at the yard make the first few weeks much easier.
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New horse owners: frequently asked questions
What should be in a horse first aid kit?
A basic kit usually includes wound wash or saline, sterile dressings, cohesive bandages, gamgee or padding, scissors, a thermometer and your vet's phone number. Ask your vet what they recommend for your horse and keep the kit somewhere easy to reach.
How often should I pick out my horse's feet?
Daily, and before and after riding. Picking out feet removes stones and packed mud and gives you a chance to spot problems early.
Do I need a field safe headcollar?
If your horse wears a headcollar in the field, choose a field safe or breakaway design that is built to release if it gets caught. Many owners prefer to turn out without a headcollar where it is safe to do so.
How much do yard essentials cost?
At Just Horse Riders, hoof picks start from around £1, curry combs from around £1.60, stable buckets from around £7 and headcollars from around £13. Prices on the collection are live and may change.
Advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Last reviewed 2026-10-09. Your vet is the best source of advice on your horse's health.